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What is Chiropractic?

Our bodies are meant to heal themselves, but in certain situations (improperly lifting, repetitive strain at work or in your home life, suffering a fall or car accident) our musculoskeletal system can become stressed and out of balance. Muscles can become tight, joints can become restricted and nerves can become compressed or inflamed. We can experience anything from headaches, stiffness and dull aches to tightness and sharp pain. In more severe cases patients can suffer numbness and pain coming down into the legs or arms.
Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating tissue injuries involving the nerve, spine, muscles and joints. By manually applying a gentle, controlled and directed pressure into areas that have become restricted in their movement, a chiropractor can restore mobility and alleviate pain, nerve interference and muscle tightness allowing tissues to heal.

The main form of treatment chiropractors deliver is called an adjustment – a non-invasive procedure consisting of a precise directed movement to help relieve pain and discomfort, and restore range of motion. In certain cases, because of age or because of patient tolerance, an adjusting tool called an Activator can be used to gently move the joint without the use of force or the Chiropractors hands. This is a great option for pediatrics, senior population with bone density concerns or patients who like a gentler touch. Sometimes chiropractors will also use other therapies like soft tissue therapy, heat/ice, electrotherapy and ultrasound.
Doctors of chiropractic diagnose, treat and help prevent musculoskeletal (bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, joints and connective tissues) conditions and disorders and the effect they have on the nervous system. A chiropractor does not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, but may make a referral to medical specialists for such treatment when appropriate.
In addition to adjustments, chiropractors also counsel patients regarding nutrition, lifestyle and exercise.

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture is based on ancient principles dating back nearly 2000 years. It is one of the oldest, safest and most effective health care systems and has the unique characteristic of treating the body as a whole with focus on the person’s emotional, physical and spiritual well being. Pain and illness are viewed as a result of imbalance of the body. Qi, or vital energy, of the body flows through pathways in the body called meridians. Blockage of Qi flow is thought to be the underlying principle creating illness. Emotional and physical stress, poor nutrition, infection and injury are among the most common causes of blockage.
The goal of treatment is to restore the balance of those systems through insertion of a very small and thin needle at very specific points along the affected pathways (meridians). The body responds to the needle insertion by creating blood flow to the site and allowing for the body’s energy or Qi flow to flow freely once again to areas of the body that have been blocked.. It also causes relaxation of muscles and tendons and stimulates the body’s natural healing response.
Most people feel no pain during the process, saying that the needle going in was not even felt or was less than a mosquito bite. Laser Acupuncture is an excellent option for pediatric patients or patients who are still unsure of the use of needle acupuncture. Patients usually feel relaxed and rejuvenated afterward. It usually takes 2-3 visits to feel the positive effects from acupuncture, while others notice an improvement right away. Common complaints treated by acupuncture may include, but are not limited to; migraines/headaches, sciatica, back and neck pain.

Graston

Is a soft tissue technique that utilizes stainless steel instruments to effectively treat all soft tissue conditions. The technique enables the treatment of scar tissue and fascial restriction which quickly restores range of motion, eliminates pain and restores normal function. Dr. Amber Enns is certified to perform Graston Technique at our clinic.

Shock Wave Therapy

The first medical treatment developed from pulsed wave therapy was lithotripsy, which allowed focused soundwaves to specifically target and dissolve kidney stones without surgical intervention. Today over 98% of kidney stones are treated this way. This technology was then modified and used instead of in a destructive way to eliminate kidney stones was used in a radial pulse wave as a controlled sonic pulse to treat tendon related pain and dysfunction. As the wave passes through the tissue it creates a biological reaction within the cells of that tissue, which triggers the body to accelerate its natural healing response and increase blood flow to the injured site. Pulsed waves can be used to treat:

Plantar Fascitis (heel spurs), Patellar Tendonitis (jumper’s knee), Tennis elbow, Golfer’s elbow, Shoulder tendonitis, Bursitis, Shin splints, Morton’s Neuroma Stress Fracture, Osteoarthritis.

All research shows that there is no negative health effect with Pulsed Wave Therapy, however it is not recommended for patients with coagulation disorders, therapy over cancerous regions/tumors, children in a growth stage and pregnancy. Each treatment takes about 5 minutes per area, which will receive about 2000 pulses to the site and unless on a bony site is typically pain free. What you can expect from a treatment… you can expect significant reduction in pain, increase in range of motion, and relaxation in areas that previously had tendon/muscle tightness.

Massage

Using a variety of hands-on methods, the Registered Massage Therapists at Transition Health and Wellness will loosen muscles and connective tissue allowing for the re-oxygenation and relaxation of those tight spots screaming at you throughout your day. Whether it be through a traditional deep tissue massage to dig out those tough knots or Thai massage incorporating interesting stretch to your care or a hot rock or relaxation massage to pamper your tired body, the RMT’s at Transition Health and Wellness will not disappoint. Circulation will be improved, muscle tension and stiffness are released, and body and mind relaxed.

Cupping

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. Once the suction has occurred, the cups can be gently moved across the skin. The suction in the cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cupping is much like the inverse of massage – rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward. For most patients, this is particularly relaxing and relieving sensation. People get it for many purposes, including helping with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep tissue massage. The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping can loosen the muscles, encourage blood flow and sedate the nervous system (which makes it an excellent treatment for high blood pressure). Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, and migraines.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is a vibrational healing practice that promotes balance throughout the body through light, non-manipulative touch. The treatment allows for an increase in the flow of energy in one’s body. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing.

Bioflex Laser Therapy

What is laser therapy?

The technology utilizes super luminous and laser diodes to irradiate diseased or injured tissue with photons. These particles of energy are selectively absorbed by the cell membrane and intracellular molecules, resulting in the initiation of a cascade of complex physiological reactions, leading to the restoration of normal cell structure and function.
Bioflex Laser facilitates the natural healing process allowing patients to recover from musculoskeletal and peripheral nerve injuries with less scar tissue, accelerated cell regeneration and improved function.
It is non-invasive, non-toxic, easily applied, highly effective, and with out adverse effects. The technology is highly effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, arthritis, sports injuries, wound healing and a wide range of dermatological conditions.

More specifically, Laser Therapy can help with the following conditions/injuries:

Soft Tissue & Sports Injuries:

  • Ligament & Tendon Tears
  • Muscle Strains
  • Tendonitis
  • Contusions
Arthritic Conditions:

  • Degenerative Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Radiculopathy
Repetitive Motion Injuries:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Herniated Disc
  • Fibromyalgia
  • TMJ Syndrome

How Long Does a Treatment Take?

Treatments are typically thirty minutes to one hour in duration depending on the condition being treated.